The best spa hotels in Scotland

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An insider's guide to the best hotels with spas in Scotland, including the best for infinity pools, expert treatments, laconiums, saunas and outdoor hot tubs, in locations including Loch Fyne, Argyll, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Portavadie is perched on the shores of a sea loch at the end of a single-track road on the Cowal peninsula, in what is known as ‘secret Argyll’. Despite being only a couple of hours' drive from Glasgow, it is a tranquil hideaway amid hills and forests, with romantic views across Loch Fyne to the hills of Kintyre and the Isle of Arran. Its jewel is a £10 million spa and leisure complex with a 16-metre indoor pool, saunas, gymnasium, outdoor spa pools and Scotland's largest outdoor heated infinity pool. Panoramic windows guarantee saunas and relaxation suites with a view.
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The spa at Scottish Baronial meets French chateau Gleneages is possibly the best in Scotland; a sublime haven of sybaritic delights with an added health dimension, offering complementary and alternative therapies delivered by professional practitioners and therapists. The range of ESPA offerings covers every conceivable face and body treatment. For sheer blissed-out, all-over well-being, indulge in one of the signature treatments. With saunas, steam rooms, hydrotherapy ‘vitality’ pool and superb relaxation areas, you may never want to leave.
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Originally a row of classical Georgian terraced houses, now an elegant hotel with an award-winning spa overlooking a leafy square in the heart of Glasgow. Thirty bedrooms in the main building are luxurious and spacious with Spanish marble bathrooms, and 70 rooms in a modern extension are slightly smaller. Fine cuisine is served in a large, airy restaurant, and there's a private cinema. The star of the show is the sumptuous thermal spa, featuring a laconium and a tepidarium.
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At this family-owned member of the Relais & Chateaux portfolio, the trappings of Victorian wealth and privilege pervade drawing rooms filled with deep sofas, fireplaces and books in the imposing granite and red sandstone Big House. There are three spa suites with outdoor hot tubs in private gardens, while at the main spa, set in the former stables, there are expert therapists on hand to pamper you with an extensive range of treatments.
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Scotland’s only destination spa, an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, has a decidedly exclusive feel. Its style is very much a game of two halves: the warm colours and decorative opulence of the residential side distinctly contrast the sleekly contemporary spa. A smart, skilfully executed modern addition houses the luxurious spa, which offers a comprehensive range of treatments, therapies and activities. Not a destination for food-lovers, but the spa is so impressive you probably won’t notice.
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This modern hotel has everything you would expect from the brand, with bells on; the location, range of rooms and services, luxurious spa and well-regarded restaurant make it the perfect choice for travellers who like to know exactly what they’re getting. The spa is the best in town, with a 19-metre infinity swimming pool, thermal suite with seven treatment areas, Espa treatments, gym, café and utterly relaxing rooftop hydro-pool.
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